Question

Funaria is considered as bryophytes because
A. its sporophyte is a parasite and is attached to the gametophyte
B. it grows near water
C it is rootless
D. it is without a vascular supply

Answer 1

Hint: Bryophyta is usually limited in size and chooses moist habitats although they can endure drier environments. The bryophytes comprise about 20,000 plant species. They consist of enclosed reproductive structures such as sporangia and gametangia, but they do not have seeds or flowers. They reproduce asexually by fragmentation or the production of gemmae and sexually by spores.
Complete step-by-step answer: Moss plant Funaria grows in cushions or dense patches in damp cool and shady areas during the rainy seasons. Funaria is of 3–5 cm height and radial symmetry with differentiation of a stem, leaves, or phyllodes. These are primitive, autotrophic, multicellular, amphibious, and shade-loving plants. They undergo reproduction by spore formation. They do not have a vascular system and possess rhizoids- the root-like structures. Funaria shows an alternation of generation means the gametophytic stage and the sporophytic stage alternate with each other.
The adult stage is characterized by leafy gametophore which is differentiated into axis, leaves, and rhizoids. Rhizoids emerge from the base of the axis and they are lean, obliquely septate, branched, and provide anchorage for the bryophyte. The assimilatory parenchymatous cells present in the capsule of the sporophyte execute photosynthesis. However, the gametophyte also helps with some of the nutrient needs for the sporophyte. So, it is like a semi-parasite present in the gametophyte.
Therefore, the correct answer is option- A.
Note: Sexual reproduction in Funaria takes place by oogamous type. The female reproductive structure is archegonium and the male reproductive system is antheridium. This plant has monoecious reproductive arrangements (female and male reproductive organs grow on different branches of the same plant) and autoicous reproduction (male and female reproductive organs grow on other branches of the same plant).